Not been on in a while. Have rather enjoyed the electronic hiatus. With pregnancy getting near the end and fatigue taking over, it's been a slow, slow life around here. I set aside all new work to take care of the little one to be and rest up for his big arrival. Days are counting down, now!
My novel has seen some progress. Mainly typing up what I've already written. Something about pen and paper makes writing truly transform into an art form than typing. I'll never trade them for the keys. Is a much more personal, spiritual connection to the work. Plus, in a storm, you can write by candlelight.
Getting things ready for the next few weeks . . . Hoping he waits the full month. And working when I can around the nesting.
29 January 2012
15 January 2012
15 January 2012
Well, that perfect pub wasn't doable as I had hoped. I could not get the piece trimmed enough to make it into their preferences. 1k is a lot to cut, and it just was not happening -- not without killing the work.
So, found another place to submit. Will see how it turns out. Am hoping for the best (fingers crossed).
So, found another place to submit. Will see how it turns out. Am hoping for the best (fingers crossed).
12 January 2012
Submission Update: 07 January 2012
Got the 'no' I was waiting for, hoping for. Though, to be honest, I think it was almost a yes (in which case I would have let them have it). The piece was rejected after 'several' reads. That alone is quite a boost for me and the work. I've not written bad (proof right there), it's simply a timing thing. So, I thanked them and am now off to finish the formatting for the other publisher.
This is what it takes to get out there: a non-stop push to support the work. The day I give up on any one piece I've written, that had better be the day I die. I do not put words on the page, I pour myself into them and give it all I have. Where else would any story get its life, if not from the writer who creates it?
Time for work. Time to hold up the piece and let it shine . . . and progress on the next story(s).
This is what it takes to get out there: a non-stop push to support the work. The day I give up on any one piece I've written, that had better be the day I die. I do not put words on the page, I pour myself into them and give it all I have. Where else would any story get its life, if not from the writer who creates it?
Time for work. Time to hold up the piece and let it shine . . . and progress on the next story(s).
09 January 2012
09 January 2012
Becoming a writer is not a fast track to riches, fame, and all the glitter to be held between the two. Most people think otherwise. But, for every writer who makes it to the top of the pile there are about a thousand more who scrape by paying their dues just to have the job.
When I started out, I made nothing. I worked, wrote, and focused on getting through high school then college. Still, I plugged away, getting published wherever I could. Usually, that meant non-paying poetry markets, short stories, or essays. My mistake, however, was not keeping a pen name with any true loyalty (privacy was the greatest luxury back then) and not keeping track of when and where the pieces went. A few of the contributor copies are in storage, in another state.
Anyway, when people ask what I do, their eyes go wide and comment about how well I must do or famous I must be. To be honest, it is rather odd, being on the receiving end of gawking. The fun comes later, when they bring up the money one could make being a best-seller. At which point, I kindly smile and explain to them that that is not the norm. Most of of writer folk make too little or just enough. In fact, for a month's worth of work here, 1-2 short stories -- when they are picked up -- can bring in $20-100. All depends on if/when they are accepted (the market can be fickle) and where.
So, for me, the income is not high in that style of writing. Some others could make it more lucrative, but not by much. Writing is a work of self and soul. We do it because we love it. And because it is what we do, deep inside, not simply killing time. Labor of love comes to mind, though it has a much deeper seat.
When I am asked why I did it. Why waste my time on something so utterly worthless (a bad corner performer makes more)? I smile and let them wonder. But honestly, I write because I would never want to do anything else. My characters are my pride and joys. The lives they live, the emotions they feel, they are as true to reality as you and I. Giving them that chance to live and breathe is beyond the words that fill the page.
I would do it for free -- have . . . and do. Once while working in a movie theater, I wrote half a novel on the folded sections of brown paper towels I could tear from the roll. Was a sequel. Actually, I wrote two sequels that way. If that is not an example of the writer's heart, I don't know what is. But, that is what and why we do what we do.
Well, at least for this writer.
When I started out, I made nothing. I worked, wrote, and focused on getting through high school then college. Still, I plugged away, getting published wherever I could. Usually, that meant non-paying poetry markets, short stories, or essays. My mistake, however, was not keeping a pen name with any true loyalty (privacy was the greatest luxury back then) and not keeping track of when and where the pieces went. A few of the contributor copies are in storage, in another state.
Anyway, when people ask what I do, their eyes go wide and comment about how well I must do or famous I must be. To be honest, it is rather odd, being on the receiving end of gawking. The fun comes later, when they bring up the money one could make being a best-seller. At which point, I kindly smile and explain to them that that is not the norm. Most of of writer folk make too little or just enough. In fact, for a month's worth of work here, 1-2 short stories -- when they are picked up -- can bring in $20-100. All depends on if/when they are accepted (the market can be fickle) and where.
So, for me, the income is not high in that style of writing. Some others could make it more lucrative, but not by much. Writing is a work of self and soul. We do it because we love it. And because it is what we do, deep inside, not simply killing time. Labor of love comes to mind, though it has a much deeper seat.
When I am asked why I did it. Why waste my time on something so utterly worthless (a bad corner performer makes more)? I smile and let them wonder. But honestly, I write because I would never want to do anything else. My characters are my pride and joys. The lives they live, the emotions they feel, they are as true to reality as you and I. Giving them that chance to live and breathe is beyond the words that fill the page.
I would do it for free -- have . . . and do. Once while working in a movie theater, I wrote half a novel on the folded sections of brown paper towels I could tear from the roll. Was a sequel. Actually, I wrote two sequels that way. If that is not an example of the writer's heart, I don't know what is. But, that is what and why we do what we do.
Well, at least for this writer.
07 January 2012
07 January 2012
"There is a word for a writer who doesn't give up: published."
- John Konrath
I've kept that in mind all week. It is absolutely true. Sadly, however, I'm bound to wonder what the word is for one who submits to the wrong publisher by mistake. Ha, ha, did that, too, this week. A few days ago, actually.
Shortly after getting the rejection slip I was back in the mix and found two possible homes for the work. One, I absolutely LOVED. The other, was a nice place to send, if not, definitely one to remember for a later piece. I had both sites open and was pouring over my piece to format it correctly and watching the clock tick down before needing to leave for a doctor's appointment.
Well, surprise, surprise, I got flustered! (Cringe) I set out all the formatting needed for the first choice, then checked the page for the submission link. I never realized I pulled up the wrong window. I took out all the formatting I'd just done then sent it off -- in the back of my mind wondering why.
Then it clicked. CRAP! As I got the sent confirmation, I noticed what I'd done. And shook my head all the way to the doc's office (and for most of the day. Honestly, still am). Hubby is cracking up and I'm praying for a rejection just so I can submit to the right one.
I could recall the piece, but I won't. It is in the same genre, same 'make ya think' slant, and, frankly, print cred is print cred. Just cannot believe I flubbed it so. Ha, ha.
So, time will tell. Maybe things will still work out. If the story gets a home and will be read, I'll be happy. That's why I do what I do.
- John Konrath
I've kept that in mind all week. It is absolutely true. Sadly, however, I'm bound to wonder what the word is for one who submits to the wrong publisher by mistake. Ha, ha, did that, too, this week. A few days ago, actually.
Shortly after getting the rejection slip I was back in the mix and found two possible homes for the work. One, I absolutely LOVED. The other, was a nice place to send, if not, definitely one to remember for a later piece. I had both sites open and was pouring over my piece to format it correctly and watching the clock tick down before needing to leave for a doctor's appointment.
Well, surprise, surprise, I got flustered! (Cringe) I set out all the formatting needed for the first choice, then checked the page for the submission link. I never realized I pulled up the wrong window. I took out all the formatting I'd just done then sent it off -- in the back of my mind wondering why.
Then it clicked. CRAP! As I got the sent confirmation, I noticed what I'd done. And shook my head all the way to the doc's office (and for most of the day. Honestly, still am). Hubby is cracking up and I'm praying for a rejection just so I can submit to the right one.
I could recall the piece, but I won't. It is in the same genre, same 'make ya think' slant, and, frankly, print cred is print cred. Just cannot believe I flubbed it so. Ha, ha.
So, time will tell. Maybe things will still work out. If the story gets a home and will be read, I'll be happy. That's why I do what I do.
05 January 2012
Submission Update: 14 Noember 2011
Heard back. And, yes, another no. But, I'm not out yet. Already, I've found more markets for the piece. Just finished the Thank You note back to the pub, I mean every one that I write, and am narrowing down the next place for submission.
To be honest, I did (and do) take a few minutes to mope about it. Well, it's get a hug from the hubby (normally, it'd be a cookie and cup of coffee while I head back to the office and try again, but the diet says no to that -- dammit), grab a snack for the next work session, and crank the tunes (or fave TV show) while going over further options.
I cannot let myself give up. I believe in the stories too much to just let them die like that. They mean something, or they would not have been written in the first place. And, if I don't stand behind the work, no one will. So, I plug away again -- and again and again and again. It is all worth it, to make sure they see print.
And they will.
To be honest, I did (and do) take a few minutes to mope about it. Well, it's get a hug from the hubby (normally, it'd be a cookie and cup of coffee while I head back to the office and try again, but the diet says no to that -- dammit), grab a snack for the next work session, and crank the tunes (or fave TV show) while going over further options.
I cannot let myself give up. I believe in the stories too much to just let them die like that. They mean something, or they would not have been written in the first place. And, if I don't stand behind the work, no one will. So, I plug away again -- and again and again and again. It is all worth it, to make sure they see print.
And they will.
04 January 2012
04 January 2012
A lack of motivation should never mean a lack of actual work. Something the new year has been hounding me with all week. Between hardly sleeping to feeling ill, to God knows what and more tedious crap, I've not worked. Well, not on the stories. Have done plenty of market searches and setting up new projects (start-itis, my one true talent), but very little writing.
To be honest, the computer had not even been turned on in 4 days. Hell, only reason it is now is to update my pod casts. Wow, how far we've come -- or not.
Though, work has been on my mind, especially yesterday. I miss the feel of the pen on paper, each branch of a letter seemingly filled with life and purpose like that of a brush stroke. Writers create pictures, lives, worlds; just as an artist does, but with letters and punctuation rather than paint. Both are equally colourful, vibrant, and awe-inspiring.
I love this job and just don't feel myself without doing it.
To be honest, the computer had not even been turned on in 4 days. Hell, only reason it is now is to update my pod casts. Wow, how far we've come -- or not.
Though, work has been on my mind, especially yesterday. I miss the feel of the pen on paper, each branch of a letter seemingly filled with life and purpose like that of a brush stroke. Writers create pictures, lives, worlds; just as an artist does, but with letters and punctuation rather than paint. Both are equally colourful, vibrant, and awe-inspiring.
I love this job and just don't feel myself without doing it.
01 January 2012
New Year's Resolutions
Asked my husband, a few days ago, if he had any new years resolutions he'd like to break. We both had a good laugh. Reality check: never are they kept. On the other hand, we do have a few we are already putting into action. We want to see them through so badly, we couldn't wait.
For him, he's getting into better shape. Honestly, he started that months ago. He wants to be ready for his son and not the daddy with a pudgy stomach. Am so proud of him!
On my end, low and behold, besides being a good wife and mommy, they're all work related. Top of the list is to finish 'Mitch.' After the novel -- only about 150 pages left -- is to finish my other projects and revamp two more this year.
'Mitch' is my pride and joy. Not my first novel -- that one I keep for me -- but, writing-wise, it is my baby and would like to see it finished. Eleven years of research, playing with plot depths and so on is a long time (and just as tall as the pile of notebooks and hard drive space to hold it).
Good luck to anyone making resolutions they wish to keep. And happy mocking to anyone making them just to see them break. ;) (done that myself, from time to time)
For him, he's getting into better shape. Honestly, he started that months ago. He wants to be ready for his son and not the daddy with a pudgy stomach. Am so proud of him!
On my end, low and behold, besides being a good wife and mommy, they're all work related. Top of the list is to finish 'Mitch.' After the novel -- only about 150 pages left -- is to finish my other projects and revamp two more this year.
'Mitch' is my pride and joy. Not my first novel -- that one I keep for me -- but, writing-wise, it is my baby and would like to see it finished. Eleven years of research, playing with plot depths and so on is a long time (and just as tall as the pile of notebooks and hard drive space to hold it).
Good luck to anyone making resolutions they wish to keep. And happy mocking to anyone making them just to see them break. ;) (done that myself, from time to time)
31 December 2011
31 December 2011
Few hours left . . . then a new year begins.
Cleaned up the desk, did a little planning for the coming deadlines, even some word/day breakdowns so I won't fall behind -- we have no clue how things are going to go with our little one finally being here (feb/mar), so not risking. Even pulled the pens and pencils out of the holder and dusted the inside. Ha ha ha! 'Spring Cleaning' hit twice a year here, New Years and the Autumn Equinox (revamping the desk/office between projects don't count). But, boy, it hits with enthusiasm.
I'm looking forward to it, though. Always feels new, when the time changes over. Such a great time to pull out new, even old, projects. Gives the muse a bump in confidence.
So, good luck to everyone in the new year and may it be brighter than this one may or may not have been. It's definitely been a ride.
Happy New Year!!!
Cleaned up the desk, did a little planning for the coming deadlines, even some word/day breakdowns so I won't fall behind -- we have no clue how things are going to go with our little one finally being here (feb/mar), so not risking. Even pulled the pens and pencils out of the holder and dusted the inside. Ha ha ha! 'Spring Cleaning' hit twice a year here, New Years and the Autumn Equinox (revamping the desk/office between projects don't count). But, boy, it hits with enthusiasm.
I'm looking forward to it, though. Always feels new, when the time changes over. Such a great time to pull out new, even old, projects. Gives the muse a bump in confidence.
So, good luck to everyone in the new year and may it be brighter than this one may or may not have been. It's definitely been a ride.
Happy New Year!!!
24 December 2011
24 December 2011
Well, we had our Christmas and Yule yesterday. Was a wonderful day! Got our little guy to be his crib (a playard to start with), some sheets and a sheet saver. Kitty Clause came for the furry one. She's had a blast with the treats and toy. And, hubby and I stuck to our original plan of not exchanging gifts with each other this year. As he put it (and I wholeheartedly agree), "this is a year for preparation." Our focus has been our growing little one.
And, core of the season, is family. Not so much the presents -- though, yes, those are nice. We received a few (4 in all) and love 'em. But, a nice dinner, our close-knit family of three, and a night to ourselves to enjoy it -- that's all we needed.
I wish everyone of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and warm hearts this weekend! Hope your holiday is just as wonderful as ours was.
And, core of the season, is family. Not so much the presents -- though, yes, those are nice. We received a few (4 in all) and love 'em. But, a nice dinner, our close-knit family of three, and a night to ourselves to enjoy it -- that's all we needed.
I wish everyone of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and warm hearts this weekend! Hope your holiday is just as wonderful as ours was.
22 December 2011
22 December 2011
Having friends who write are godsends . . . and land minds. I guess we're a temperamental bunch. Which is little wonder why such friendships are often short lived.
Sometimes I wonder how long one fellow writer and I will last. We've had spells of silence before, some for almost a year. Yesterday, I began minding the clock again.
When we ask for feedback, we usually want only to share -- maybe hear opinions -- of the story/piece we're working on. When asked to review my friend's work, I knew this. And answered her in kind. But, this being said, if there are major problems (ie. grammar that jars the reader right out of the story) it should be mentioned. Doing so is usually seen as helpful rather than an insult.
Usually.
So, now the clock is ticking. They logged off after a few comments amount the notice of. And we've not seen one another since. I hope the holiday eases their distaste. The mention was not meant maliciously.
Only extended the courtesy I would have wanted to be shown.
We are a temperamental bunch.
Sometimes I wonder how long one fellow writer and I will last. We've had spells of silence before, some for almost a year. Yesterday, I began minding the clock again.
When we ask for feedback, we usually want only to share -- maybe hear opinions -- of the story/piece we're working on. When asked to review my friend's work, I knew this. And answered her in kind. But, this being said, if there are major problems (ie. grammar that jars the reader right out of the story) it should be mentioned. Doing so is usually seen as helpful rather than an insult.
Usually.
So, now the clock is ticking. They logged off after a few comments amount the notice of. And we've not seen one another since. I hope the holiday eases their distaste. The mention was not meant maliciously.
Only extended the courtesy I would have wanted to be shown.
We are a temperamental bunch.
21 December 2011
21 December 2011
Well, morning half over, this day is lagging badly. Feels like time has stopped, or forgot which way to go. Just one of those days, it seems.
Am making headway on the four part challenge. It is really building itself well -- gaining life every line. That, right there, is a pick me up for such a slow morning.
Ha ha, I still want that nap I traded for the keys this a.m. but I'll sleep good tonight. Least I hope so.
Tomorrow is Yule and it will be a busy, busy day. The entire weekend will be. Was expecting to work a little in between, maybe I still can tomorrow. But, still have gifts to get by sundown (if we're doing any. That still hasn't been decided). Never have I ever cut this so close . . .
This has been an odd year, to say the least.
So, hope there are enough hours in the day to get it all done. Even if work has to wait (that's my favorite part of any day.)
Am making headway on the four part challenge. It is really building itself well -- gaining life every line. That, right there, is a pick me up for such a slow morning.
Ha ha, I still want that nap I traded for the keys this a.m. but I'll sleep good tonight. Least I hope so.
Tomorrow is Yule and it will be a busy, busy day. The entire weekend will be. Was expecting to work a little in between, maybe I still can tomorrow. But, still have gifts to get by sundown (if we're doing any. That still hasn't been decided). Never have I ever cut this so close . . .
This has been an odd year, to say the least.
So, hope there are enough hours in the day to get it all done. Even if work has to wait (that's my favorite part of any day.)
Submission Update: Yesterday
Well, some days it sucks to get out of bed and check the e-mail. LOL, cripes. That was the fastest turnaround on a piece in my life. And a form letter to boot. Those always sting.
So, having a bad day -- mainly because all I want is to go burrow back in the blankets. I thank the gods for good friends, though. Too bad they wake you up at the same time they make you laugh. ROFL! Eh, I'll take it. Work is calling anyway. And, that, I will never disappoint.
Write for the story. When it's right, it will carry itself.
P.S.
Still have two other pieces out for review. I am not down, yet!
So, having a bad day -- mainly because all I want is to go burrow back in the blankets. I thank the gods for good friends, though. Too bad they wake you up at the same time they make you laugh. ROFL! Eh, I'll take it. Work is calling anyway. And, that, I will never disappoint.
Write for the story. When it's right, it will carry itself.
P.S.
Still have two other pieces out for review. I am not down, yet!
20 December 2011
20 December 2011
Well, made progress on the novel last night. Typed up a few pages of the written draft -- I tend to do that in sections. Got so engrossed I lost track of time, too and stayed up way too late.
Upside to dragging a bit today, I found a possible new home for the 01 Dec. rejected piece. With a little tweaking, I managed to fit it towards another anthology. Submitted it not too long ago. It will find a home. Just have to see how this goes.
Simultaneous submissions are fine. I tend to work with one publisher at a time, so I never have to backtrack if two accept at once. That is a messy situation. I'd rather take the long way and not burn bridges.
Personal preference -- nothing more.
Best of luck to all those out there pushing the pages.
Upside to dragging a bit today, I found a possible new home for the 01 Dec. rejected piece. With a little tweaking, I managed to fit it towards another anthology. Submitted it not too long ago. It will find a home. Just have to see how this goes.
Simultaneous submissions are fine. I tend to work with one publisher at a time, so I never have to backtrack if two accept at once. That is a messy situation. I'd rather take the long way and not burn bridges.
Personal preference -- nothing more.
Best of luck to all those out there pushing the pages.
19 December 2011
Submission Update: 01 Dec. 2011
Heard back from the publisher. It was a no. Wasn't quite what they had in mind -- more 'post-apocalyptic' than corruption of power that they were seeking.
Honestly, I'd not thought of the piece in that light. But, yes, suppose it could come off that way, especially condensed as it had to be.
At any rate, I'll take it as better to have heard back than to wonder (or query for reply). Time to go back over the piece (SOP for my returned work), see what it does or does not need then try again to find it a home. Just another day at work . . .
Did send off a 'thank you' reply to the publisher (also SOP). The no was not a copy and paste turn down. For that, I always show respect. The next time I see them with an open submission call, I'll look in on it.
Honestly, I'd not thought of the piece in that light. But, yes, suppose it could come off that way, especially condensed as it had to be.
At any rate, I'll take it as better to have heard back than to wonder (or query for reply). Time to go back over the piece (SOP for my returned work), see what it does or does not need then try again to find it a home. Just another day at work . . .
Did send off a 'thank you' reply to the publisher (also SOP). The no was not a copy and paste turn down. For that, I always show respect. The next time I see them with an open submission call, I'll look in on it.
19 December 2011
Last night, Mitch's coat didn't want to come off -- as expected. I'd not added much to her story -- maybe a page . . . plus a few paragraphs. Mainly, I centered myself around finding the right direction in which to take it. Words are not the only measure of progress, sometimes it is just knowing where to go.
So, to remedy the situation when I headed to bed, I left her MS in the living room, tucked safely away in my bag. Separation is mandatory sometimes. And, right now (still juggling a few pregnancy woes), I need to draw the line.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love spending time with Mitch and being in her shoes (eyes the friends hanging out in the peanut gallery, "hush."), I just need to put a buffer between my work and our little one. Her life -- and mine -- comes with stress; combining them more than doubles the impact. So, in being a good mom, I have to put Mitch to bed at night (and half the day) and take care of my little one.
Upside, taking a break from her more often allows me to work with her more often as well. Moderation is for more than just diets!
In the meantime, I still have a few other pieces to piddle with today. Overdid it this past weekend and need to baby the belly for another day -- or two. And all I did was put Christmas lights up around the living room. But, it happens. Had a friend end up in the ER from false labor after painting the nursery (well ventilated). It was all the reaching and stretching, the doc said.
Never have I been so glad for a job I can do from the recliner. The perks of being a writer.
So, to remedy the situation when I headed to bed, I left her MS in the living room, tucked safely away in my bag. Separation is mandatory sometimes. And, right now (still juggling a few pregnancy woes), I need to draw the line.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love spending time with Mitch and being in her shoes (eyes the friends hanging out in the peanut gallery, "hush."), I just need to put a buffer between my work and our little one. Her life -- and mine -- comes with stress; combining them more than doubles the impact. So, in being a good mom, I have to put Mitch to bed at night (and half the day) and take care of my little one.
Upside, taking a break from her more often allows me to work with her more often as well. Moderation is for more than just diets!
In the meantime, I still have a few other pieces to piddle with today. Overdid it this past weekend and need to baby the belly for another day -- or two. And all I did was put Christmas lights up around the living room. But, it happens. Had a friend end up in the ER from false labor after painting the nursery (well ventilated). It was all the reaching and stretching, the doc said.
Never have I been so glad for a job I can do from the recliner. The perks of being a writer.
18 December 2011
18 December 2011
It's finally beginning to feel like Yule and Christmas. Lol, all we had to do was hear Karen Newman's "Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue" and we were back in Detroit, snow, lights, the winter night setting the stage as it all stood out, just like the spirit of the season itself.
From Washington to Woodward, to Greektown, Campus Martius Park where the tree rests on top of the fountain and an ice rink went up from November to March, even a stroll along the River Front -- the lights of Windsor and Detroit mingling in the snow. That used to be our past time on winter nights: walking through the city we miss so dearly. It truly is a beautiful town and one we still call home, in not by address then in our hearts.
"Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue" would be piped out along the streets as the radio played it and the season would last forever.
When I pulled up the link for the station's online feed, I waited the day away just to hear it once. It was worth it. So much so, we finally broke down and downloaded the tune. I played it for hubby while he got ready for work -- and we talked about 'home.'
Yes, it now feels like Christmas.
From Washington to Woodward, to Greektown, Campus Martius Park where the tree rests on top of the fountain and an ice rink went up from November to March, even a stroll along the River Front -- the lights of Windsor and Detroit mingling in the snow. That used to be our past time on winter nights: walking through the city we miss so dearly. It truly is a beautiful town and one we still call home, in not by address then in our hearts.
"Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue" would be piped out along the streets as the radio played it and the season would last forever.
When I pulled up the link for the station's online feed, I waited the day away just to hear it once. It was worth it. So much so, we finally broke down and downloaded the tune. I played it for hubby while he got ready for work -- and we talked about 'home.'
Yes, it now feels like Christmas.
That Second Skin
My husband was a bit concerned to hear Mitch's name mentioned in the house again. We've kept that project at arm's distance during the pregnancy. But, I assured him that I was not getting as emotionally tied up with it as I had in the past. Our little one has taught me a lot about keeping things a bit more removed.
As writers, most I know anyway, we tend to get a bit attached and drawn into the characters we create. We live their lives, feel their woes (and highs); we dream and hope and want as they do -- and often to the same extant. Sometimes more. Which is the case with Mitch and I. I feel every ounce, every drop, every grain of her hopes, dreams, shame, and sorrow. And she has plenty to spare.
Before we began to trying for a family, I rarely paid it any mind. Wearing the character as my own skin was just part of the experience of being a writer. I did not care if affected me or not. Often, however, that closeness gave insight I never could have gotten otherwise. It lent a volume of emotion to the work that such rose to envelope the reader at will (the reviews state this again and again). But, it also wears down the writer. Which I took as just part of the job.
Once we began trying for a family -- it didn't take long for us to start expecting, matter of fact, it only took once -- that second skin caused a lot of problems. The stress Mitch felt and I lived with her wore me down and (we, docs, too, are convinced) kept us from 'expecting' more than 2 months. Pregnancies are very touchy in the early stages.
But, this was not an immediate sign. It took us quite a while to figure out what was going on. And, the month I put Mitch on the shelf -- no longer on the desk at all -- we conceived our now to be little boy. So, there is something to be said about wearing that second skin, maybe a little too long.
At one point, Mitch had me drinking a little more than normal. I stopped writing for her before it got beyond notice (I was not drunk, on the hood of a car twirling my shirt). To be honest, just the fact it started had me worried. Hemingway kept coming to mind. Great author, but at such a high price.
That was a year before we began trying for a family. I set her aside and waited until I found another POV to write from. A POV that was little further down her road of healing worked better. It, also, gave her a measure of objectiveness that she had lacked. That can make all the difference.
That experience taught me a lot about how so many writers took that downward spiral. It is not an overnight, gone to the head kind of thing. It is the skins we wear that change us over time. Most of the time, we barely notice. Sometimes it can take many, many skins building up to start the change. Other times, it only takes one.
So, I'm very thankful for this little guy. I am not sure I would have learned this -- at least so soon -- without him. Stepping back from the work helps, from a few minutes to a few days (which ever it takes to clear the head and body). But, also, consider taking time off from the characters themselves. Too much time together strengthens that skin. Makes one wonder if it will ever come off after the work is done. Then again, it's not always the time, but the emotional flow to and from.
This is a part of the job few talk about. Yet, it is always the elephant in the room. Mind it, sometimes they go rogue.
As writers, most I know anyway, we tend to get a bit attached and drawn into the characters we create. We live their lives, feel their woes (and highs); we dream and hope and want as they do -- and often to the same extant. Sometimes more. Which is the case with Mitch and I. I feel every ounce, every drop, every grain of her hopes, dreams, shame, and sorrow. And she has plenty to spare.
Before we began to trying for a family, I rarely paid it any mind. Wearing the character as my own skin was just part of the experience of being a writer. I did not care if affected me or not. Often, however, that closeness gave insight I never could have gotten otherwise. It lent a volume of emotion to the work that such rose to envelope the reader at will (the reviews state this again and again). But, it also wears down the writer. Which I took as just part of the job.
Once we began trying for a family -- it didn't take long for us to start expecting, matter of fact, it only took once -- that second skin caused a lot of problems. The stress Mitch felt and I lived with her wore me down and (we, docs, too, are convinced) kept us from 'expecting' more than 2 months. Pregnancies are very touchy in the early stages.
But, this was not an immediate sign. It took us quite a while to figure out what was going on. And, the month I put Mitch on the shelf -- no longer on the desk at all -- we conceived our now to be little boy. So, there is something to be said about wearing that second skin, maybe a little too long.
At one point, Mitch had me drinking a little more than normal. I stopped writing for her before it got beyond notice (I was not drunk, on the hood of a car twirling my shirt). To be honest, just the fact it started had me worried. Hemingway kept coming to mind. Great author, but at such a high price.
That was a year before we began trying for a family. I set her aside and waited until I found another POV to write from. A POV that was little further down her road of healing worked better. It, also, gave her a measure of objectiveness that she had lacked. That can make all the difference.
That experience taught me a lot about how so many writers took that downward spiral. It is not an overnight, gone to the head kind of thing. It is the skins we wear that change us over time. Most of the time, we barely notice. Sometimes it can take many, many skins building up to start the change. Other times, it only takes one.
So, I'm very thankful for this little guy. I am not sure I would have learned this -- at least so soon -- without him. Stepping back from the work helps, from a few minutes to a few days (which ever it takes to clear the head and body). But, also, consider taking time off from the characters themselves. Too much time together strengthens that skin. Makes one wonder if it will ever come off after the work is done. Then again, it's not always the time, but the emotional flow to and from.
This is a part of the job few talk about. Yet, it is always the elephant in the room. Mind it, sometimes they go rogue.
17 December 2011
17 December 2011
Christmas -- and Yule -- are fast approaching. So is our due date, for that matter (something hubby and I have come to realize a little too clearly). So, our attention has been centered around that.
Finally got the prescriptions settled -- only took a week! -- and am back on track. Had doctor visit after doctor visit this week, but did, finally, get the tree up. Must be the latest we've even done so. Ever. It'll be decked by this eve. With only a few days until Yule, we've cut it rather close. Ha, ha.
All in all, though, hasn't really felt like the season. Not yet.
Gifts have not been on our minds, nor the Christmas cards, not even the baking (can't this year due to new diet). Our heads have been in our work and on our little guy on the way. Truth be told, he's all we want for Yule and Christmas. Just a happy, growing boy we'll get to meet near spring.
Other than that, we've hardly thought of the season and what it's become (gimme! gimme! gimme!).
We have our family, our health, a stable job for one (fledgling for the other -- but it's a job), and a decent roof. After that, it's all fluff.
Finally got the prescriptions settled -- only took a week! -- and am back on track. Had doctor visit after doctor visit this week, but did, finally, get the tree up. Must be the latest we've even done so. Ever. It'll be decked by this eve. With only a few days until Yule, we've cut it rather close. Ha, ha.
All in all, though, hasn't really felt like the season. Not yet.
Gifts have not been on our minds, nor the Christmas cards, not even the baking (can't this year due to new diet). Our heads have been in our work and on our little guy on the way. Truth be told, he's all we want for Yule and Christmas. Just a happy, growing boy we'll get to meet near spring.
Other than that, we've hardly thought of the season and what it's become (gimme! gimme! gimme!).
We have our family, our health, a stable job for one (fledgling for the other -- but it's a job), and a decent roof. After that, it's all fluff.
13 December 2011
13 December 2011
With news to spread from the ultrasound yesterday, I got very, very little done. Mainly just net work and some outline sifting (and a submission or two). But, man, what a busy day! Our little guy is measuring about 2 weeks earlier than the last look-see.
Guess that is even more of a prod to get moving and get ahead of the deadlines coming after (and one before) his birth. At least the glucose testing and new diet -- minor tweaking of the old one; no more of his favorite burritos, or potatoes -- seem to be working well. Gaining more get up and go, too.
Which is good, because I'd be up the creek even further. ;)
Doctor day over for the time being. Time work took center stage again.
P.S.
Fell in love with a new magazine: The First Line. It's a collection of works all starting with the same opening line. The purpose being to show how easy it can be to break that block we all despise and to show the variety that can come from just one line.
Picked it up on their Read and Release program. And, I am hooked! Not often a publication like this catches my eye. It's going to be hard to release this bad boy when I'm done (promised it to a friend). But, it is also too good to keep to one's self.
Guess that is even more of a prod to get moving and get ahead of the deadlines coming after (and one before) his birth. At least the glucose testing and new diet -- minor tweaking of the old one; no more of his favorite burritos, or potatoes -- seem to be working well. Gaining more get up and go, too.
Which is good, because I'd be up the creek even further. ;)
Doctor day over for the time being. Time work took center stage again.
P.S.
Fell in love with a new magazine: The First Line. It's a collection of works all starting with the same opening line. The purpose being to show how easy it can be to break that block we all despise and to show the variety that can come from just one line.
Picked it up on their Read and Release program. And, I am hooked! Not often a publication like this catches my eye. It's going to be hard to release this bad boy when I'm done (promised it to a friend). But, it is also too good to keep to one's self.
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